Is Englewood Cliffs Safe, Pros and cons of living in Englewood Cliffs
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, nestled atop the Hudson Palisades with stunning views of the New York City skyline. This Bergen County borough is known for its affluent community, strong educational system, and proximity to major employment centers. It appeals to those seeking a high quality of life with convenient access to the cultural and professional opportunities of the greater New York metropolitan area.
The community prides itself on its well-maintained public spaces, diverse population, and a commitment to providing essential services to its residents. Englewood Cliffs serves as a hub for several prominent corporate headquarters, contributing to its robust local economy and offering a stable environment for its inhabitants. The borough’s strategic location and desirable amenities make it a sought-after place to live for a variety of individuals and families.
Is it Safe to Live in Englewood Cliffs?
Englewood Cliffs demonstrates a generally safe environment for its residents. The violent crime rate in Englewood Cliffs is significantly lower than the national average, with reports indicating it is 84.6% lower than the U.S. average (according to FBI UCR data). Property crime rates are also below the national average, at 14.3% lower than the U.S. average (according to FBI UCR data).
While overall crime rates have seen an increase year-over-year, this is largely attributed to property crime fluctuations. Despite this, Englewood Cliffs is considered one of the safer cities in the United States due to its low violent crime incidents (according to FBI UCR data). The projected crime rate for 2026 indicates a further decrease from 2019 figures (as reported by CityRating.com, which uses FBI data).
Demographics and Diversity
Englewood Cliffs is a borough with a diverse population, though it is less diverse than New Jersey overall (according to Census Bureau data). As of the latest data, the population is approximately 47.3% Asian, 42.2% White, 5.4% Hispanic, and 4.0% Multiracial, with smaller percentages for other groups (according to Census Bureau data). This demographic makeup shows a slight decrease in racial diversity since the 2020 Census.
The median age in Englewood Cliffs is around 49.9 years, which is considerably higher than the national median age (according to World Population Review). A significant portion of the population is aged 55-74, indicating a community with a substantial senior demographic. Furthermore, 89.4% of Englewood Cliffs residents are U.S. citizens (according to Data USA).
Climate and Weather
The climate in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, experiences four distinct seasons, typical of the northeastern United States. Average temperatures in the summer can reach highs in the low 80s Fahrenheit, while winter lows can dip into the 20s Fahrenheit (based on weather reports from New York City – Central Park). The area receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with monthly averages ranging from approximately 3.37 to 4.83 inches of precipitation (based on weather reports from New York City – Central Park).
The weather can be changeable, with daily temperature fluctuations of around 6-7 degrees Fahrenheit on average (according to ForecastWatch). While the area experiences sunny days, there is also a chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the spring and summer months (according to the National Weather Service). The area’s proximity to New York City means weather patterns are largely similar to those experienced in the city’s Central Park area.
Cost of Living
Englewood Cliffs is known for its high cost of living, significantly exceeding both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living is approximately 31% higher than the U.S. national average and 161% higher than New Jersey’s state average (according to Salary.com). This elevated cost is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are substantially higher than the national average.
Housing costs in Englewood Cliffs are a major factor, with a median home value reported at $1,733,277 as of March 2026 (according to Zillow). Rental prices are also considerable, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $2,901 per month (according to Zumper). These figures underscore the affluent nature of the community and the premium associated with residing in this area.
Housing Costs
The real estate market in Englewood Cliffs is characterized by high property values. The median home value is reported at $1,733,277 as of March 2026, reflecting an 8.7% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). This high valuation places Englewood Cliffs among the more expensive real estate markets in the country.
For renters, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,901 per month, which is 77% higher than the national average (according to Zumper). The median listing price for a home was $3.87 million per month, indicating a strong luxury market with limited inventory (according to Englewood Cliffs, NJ Housing Market & Rental trends).
Job Market and Economy
Englewood Cliffs boasts a strong economy, supported by the presence of major corporate headquarters and a highly educated workforce. Employment in Englewood Cliffs has seen growth, with a reported increase of 4.56% from 2023 to 2024 (according to Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Healthcare & Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Wholesale Trade (according to Data USA).
The average salary in Englewood Cliffs is approximately $35.61 per hour or $74,067 per year as of May 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a higher average annual salary of $98,202 for employees at Englewood Cliffs NJ (according to Salary.com). The borough is home to the headquarters of prominent companies such as LG Corp, Unilever, and CNBC, contributing significantly to its economic landscape (according to Wikipedia).
Major Employers
Englewood Cliffs is a significant corporate hub, hosting the North American headquarters of LG Corp and the American headquarters of Unilever (according to Wikipedia). CNBC also has its world headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, further solidifying its status as a center for major businesses. Other notable employers include Samsung Electronics and JND, contributing to the diverse employment opportunities within the borough (according to Indeed.com).
These major employers not only provide substantial job opportunities but also contribute to the borough’s economic vitality and reputation as a center for innovation and global enterprise. The presence of these companies also influences the local job market, attracting a skilled workforce to the area.
Education
The Englewood Cliffs School District is highly regarded, serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The district consistently receives high ratings, with an overall Niche Grade of A (according to Niche.com). It boasts a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1, fostering a conducive learning environment (according to Niche.com).
State test scores indicate strong academic performance, with 82% of students proficient in math and 88% proficient in reading (according to Niche.com). The Upper School, part of the district, is particularly well-rated, recognized among the best public middle and elementary schools in New Jersey (according to Niche.com). This commitment to education is a key draw for families considering a move to Englewood Cliffs.
School Ratings
Englewood Cliffs School District is recognized for its academic excellence, earning an overall Niche Grade of A. Within the district, Upper School is highlighted for its performance, ranking among the top public middle schools in New Jersey. Students demonstrate high proficiency in state tests, with 82% meeting or exceeding expectations in math and 88% in reading.
The district’s commitment to quality education is further evidenced by its favorable student-teacher ratios and the positive reviews from parents and students on platforms like Niche. These strong school ratings contribute significantly to Englewood Cliffs’ appeal as a family-friendly community.
Demographics and Population
Englewood Cliffs is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, with a population of approximately 5,330 residents as of 2026 (according to World Population Review). The population has seen a slight increase since the 2020 Census. The median age is around 49.9 years, with a notable presence of older adults, as 29.1% of residents are between 55 and 74 years old (according to World Population Review).
The racial composition is diverse, with Asians forming the largest group at 47.3%, followed by White residents at 42.2% (according to World Population Review). Other significant groups include Hispanic (5.4%) and Multiracial (4.0%) residents (according to World Population Review). A high percentage of residents, 89.4%, are U.S. citizens (according to Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Englewood Cliffs
Living in Englewood Cliffs offers numerous advantages, including a safe environment with low crime rates (according to FBI UCR data). The borough also boasts an excellent school system, highly rated by Niche.com, making it attractive to families. Its strategic location provides convenient access to New York City and major employment centers, supported by a strong local economy with prominent corporate headquarters.
However, Englewood Cliffs presents significant drawbacks, primarily its exceptionally high cost of living and housing expenses, which are well above national and state averages. The median home value is over $1.7 million, and rental costs are also substantial. While the median age is high, indicating a mature population, this may also mean fewer amenities geared towards younger demographics.